ADHD and Autism Support Harrow nominated for Let's Do It award

A MOTHER-of-three has nominated a charity which helped her and her son for a grant from the Let’s Do It scheme.

Carol Katugampola was impressed with the service given at training sessions, support groups and coffee mornings from ADHD (Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) and Autism Support Harrow.

The conditions affect people’s abilities to interact socially and the 42-year-old nurse practitioner said the charity was in need of the money after being affected by funding cuts.

Mrs Katugampola, whose 13-year-old son has ADHD, said: “It is really helpful, especially the coffee mornings. It is nice to have the support and not think that you are the only one experiencing difficulties.

“They used to have funding for play schemes, but this has been cut drastically. They also do courses and teach parents how to discipline children.”

The charity helps people of all ages, from young children to independent adults and their families who are affected by ADHD or autism.

More than 60 people come into contact with the group each week and it is estimated it helps more than 500 people a year.

Therese Glynn, project manager for the charity in Chicheley Road, Harrow Weald, said: “This money would help us with groups aimed at people aged 20 to 25 who need support in finding a job and getting the confidence to leave the house. We have a lot of these at the moment and the film group has been really popular and we are hoping to expand.”

Ms Glynn, whose 20-year-old son has ADHD, added: “There was nothing out there to support parents and it is really needed. Now we hopefully help people with any issues they have. It was a lifeline for me.”

* This is a chance to really make a difference to a charity that you think deserves a Let’s Do It grant. To make a nomination, complete the coupon and attach a typed/printed A4 supporting information sheet (maximum two sides) detailing what the group does, who it provides a service for, why it deserves the award and specifically what the group would spend the money on/use the Barclays volunteers for.